19 May 2021
Jedforest to Bonjedward from 17 extended to 20 May; and A68 North of Earlston from 21 extended to 24 May. Road closures in both directions remain in place between 19.30-06.00.
See further details on works below.
6 May 2021
Motorists using the A68 in the Scottish Borders are advised to plan ahead to avoid overnight road closures, with essential resurfacing works scheduled to begin at three locations: A68 Lethem to Falside on 14 May; A68 Jedforest to Bonjedward from 17 to 19 May; and A68 North of Earlston from 20 to 21 May.
The works will see Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland resurface 1.2km of carriageway, creating smoother and safer journeys for motorists.
To allow these works to be completed safely and efficiently, the A68 will be closed in both directions at these locations between 19:30 until 06:00 each night that works are being carried out.
For the works at A68 Lethem to Falside and A68 Jedforest to Bonjedward, a diversion route will be signposted between Lethem and Bonjedward via the A6088 and A698. This diversion will add approximately 10 miles and 15 minutes to affected journeys:
For the works at A68 North of Earlston, a signed diversion route will be in place between Earlston and Carfraemill Roundabout via the A6105, A6089 and A697. This diversion will add approximately 9 miles and 9 minutes to affected journeys:
The A68 will remain open in both directions outwith these closures, however a 30mph speed limit will be in place as road users will be travelling over a temporary surface. At times, for road user safety, temporary traffic lights will also be installed outwith working hours.
A further six nights of works are programmed from 20 May at Jedforest to Bonjedward for reinstatement of high friction surfacing. On these nights the A68 will remain open, however temporary traffic lights and a convoy system will be in operation between the hours of 19:30 and 06:00.
Emergency services will be given access through the works at all times and local access for residents within the closure points will be maintained when it is safe to pass through the work area.
Strict physical distancing protocols are in place to protect teams and ensure they remain safe on site, in line with Scottish Government guidance.
Emergency services and other relevant stakeholders have been consulted in advance to make them aware of the plans.
Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “These surfacing improvements will help to address the defects on this section of the A68 and will greatly improve the experience for motorists.
“It is essential that we close the road during these works to ensure the safety of road workers and motorists, however we’ve arranged for the project to take place overnight to minimise the impact.
“We thank motorists and the local community in advance for their patience and understanding. We’ll do all we can to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible.”
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, twitter at @trafficscotland or the mobile site my.trafficscotland.org
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